Korean J Leg Med.  2019 Nov;43(4):164-166. 10.7580/kjlm.2019.43.4.164.

SCUBA Diving Fatality by Overweighted Belt: An Autopsy Case

• Kim YS

• KMID: 2464495
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7580/kjlm.2019.43.4.164

Abstract

Scuba diving is a popular sports activity, even though it is associated with potential hazards. When a diver enters the water for an underwater expedition, he/she needs a series of diving gear, including a regulator, buoyancy compensator, diving suit, and weight belt, among others. Here, the author encountered a fatal diving accident wherein autopsy showed the evidence of death by drowning. The witness stated that the diver requested more weight to descend into the water, and the diver wore one more weight belt, totalling 26 kg. After a second trial of diving, he did not grab the regulator and disappeared into the water suddenly, and bubbles did not appear at the surface. Based on the witness statement and autopsy findings, the original cause of accident was concluded as an overweighted belt for descent into the water.

Keyword

Scuba diving; Overweighted belt; Drowning; Autopsy

MeSH Terms

Autopsy*
Diving*
Drowning
Expeditions
Overweight*
Sports
Water
Water

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Photograph shows ballooning of the lungs with froth from the bronchus.

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  Fig. 2 Photograph shows the diving gear of the victim, including an air tank, a dry suit, and two sets of weight belts.

Reference

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3. Denoble PJ, Caruso JL, Dear GL, et al. Common causes of open-circuit recreational diving fatalities. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2008; 35:393–406.